That guy

Picking the pens and sheets that fell from her hand; Maya looked around to see if anyone was around the library. Sighing, she put the key into the lock before she opened the door but today the library was dark...

too dark, Maya carefully closed the door before she looked around if the mysterious hot guy was around; She pouted when she saw no one around the library. 

Maybe he did not come today

She switched on the light near the window table away from her usual seat; Placing her things and books on the table she pulled out a chair before making a wild bun of her hair. 

She forgot to make some sketch assignments and tomorrow she needs to submit them; rubbing her eyes she started sketching; finishing off the first two she looked at it. 

something is missing in it but what? 

She was so focused that she did not listen to the footsteps coming towards her; " Small things do make a difference, " the deep masculine voice made her still as a hand touched the pencil and drawing the remaining part of the sketch. 

Maya turned her head only to see the same handsome guy offering her a small smile before he put the pencil back. 

" Thank you, " Maya said as the heat rose to her cheeks; it was such a small mistake but it almost ruined her sketch. 

" Not the usual seat today? " the guy said as he took the seat next to hers. Maya shook her head, no words came out of her mouth. 

" Roy, " He said as he forwarded his hand for a handshake. 

" Maya, " She said after coming out of her dreamy word and shook hands with him. 

" Your hand is so cold, " She commented before she rubbed her palms together. 

" weather effects, " He said as he shrugged his shoulders. Maya glanced at him as he looked back at her. 

" Can't sleep? or assignments? " Maya attempted to make a conversation; she knew he was a safe option to stay alone in the library at midnight. She does not know why but she kind of trusts him. 

" Book, I love books, " Roy said as Maya nodded. 

" In the middle of every night, sleeping disorder? " Roy asked as Maya avoided his eyes; she does not like t think about it but then it is her reality now, she can not always run away from it. 

" I can ask the same question, same school? " She dodged his question with another one. 

" yeah, boys hostel, " he replied. 

" umm... I never saw you in the building before, " She stated; it was weird that he went to the same school as hers but never saw him around. 

" Medical student, classes, and hostel all are in building B, " He answered as Maya nodded; she bite her lip when an awkward silence fell between them. 

She does not know what else to say nor he spoke; Maya started sketching again but her mind was not focused on sketching anymore; she glanced at him, he was reading his book, she started her work once again this time trying to focus on it. 

A few hours passed as Maya let her head drop on the table; her assignment was finally finished. " time to go? " Roy said as she turned her head towards him. 

"it's 3 am, " Maya stated. 

" Half an hour before you leave, " Roy said as Maya looked at him surprised; she did not think he noticed her that much. 

" uh-huh, I am sure you too have noticed I do not leave before you ever, " Roy said as Maya nodded. 

" 3:30 am, most people are in deepest sleep during this hour, " Roy said. 

" and great for ghosts... " Maya stopped for a second as she looked at him, " Like us... " she chuckled as he smiled. 

" What if I am a ghost? " His question made her still for a second but looking into his eyes, she did not get scared nor chilled. 

" Glad to meet such a handsome ghost, " gathering her stuff and sketches in her hands; she looked at Roy, " So you think I am handsome? " the smirk on his face looked sexy. 

" A handsome ghost, " She replied with a chuckle before she stood up with her things; She does not know how to say that she would be leaving now so she just nodded at him; he nodded back not saying anything, neither he stops her nor he stood up like he said he never leaves before her. 

Taking out the keys from her pocket; she glanced at him once, moving the key as the click sound made its way to her ears; he was staring right back at her and she knew it; smiling to herself, she turned around and started walking. 

. 

" he is looking at you, " Azora whispered as Maya's eyebrows joined together in confusion; they were in between a very boring but important topic; Boring because Maya could not understand a word of it. 

" Who? " she whispered back as Azora gestured with her eyes for her to look behind; Maya was playing with her pen and at the same time it dropped on the floor. she bend to pick it but she saw a small smiley made on the floor with colorful chalk. 

She turned her head behind only to find Ash looking at her with a blank expression; he tried to smile but that smile rather looked creepy; taking a deep breath she picked her pen and sat back on her seat. 

" Ash, " Azora whispered but Maya already knew this. 

" Let him, I can not go around barking at people for staring at me, " She rolled her eyes at her before she started copying the notes. 

why this girl has to be so hardheaded? 

Ash thought as crushed the gym chalk which he always kept in his bag; it always had a calming effect on him; weird but working. 

the bell rang, it was lunchtime; Maya kept her notebooks back in her bag before she looked at Azora; " let's go, " 

" umm... Maya, I will join you in a few minutes, " Azora said as Maya nodded absentmindedly, walking out of the classroom. 

Ash stood at the back door; looking at her as she diverted her eyes; He wanted to do nothing but drag her back and confront her but he held himself together because of the teachers standing a few meters away from them. 

" she won't listen to me, " he said as he pulled a cigarette out of his pocket. 

lighting the cig; Azora kept the lighter back in her bag; " She is not ready to look at you, " she stated. 

" You aren't helping, " breathing in the toxic smoke he looked at her; the classroom was empty and no one would even try to come before lunchtime is finished. 

" I never said I will, " smirking at his reaction she took the cig from him and took a puff. 

" We all know this thing kills, yet we do this, " saying that Ash took a few more puffs. 

" Running, we all are running, but she isn't, " Ash stopped and looked at her. he did not want to have this conversation anymore. 

" she has to, " 

" She does not think like that, " sighing he took something out of his pocket and kept it in her hand. 

" This may help? " She questioned. 

" Of course not, not now, not ever, " They turned around as they heard her voice. 

" Maya, " Azora acknowledged her presence. She walked inside, her blasting headache long forgotten. 

" you were not supposed to be in class because you had some work? " Maya said with a sarcastic smile. 

" I am just trying to--- " Maya showed her palm to him as he stopped speaking. Not even a tear escaped her eyes but from inside she was shattered once again. 

" Whatever you are trying to do will never happen, you know why? because I trust him, " She said as she pulled out the strip of tablets from her bag and started taking steps towards the door. 

" you do not know the truth, " His voice stopped her in her tracks. 

" Perhaps I never will, " her voice was void of any emotion just like her face. 

. 

' Enemy yet friend, the one who never leaves you until you die

or maybe even after that, who knows, ' 

Maya looked up as she listens to the same masculine voice she has grown fond of from the last 3 days; 3 days, it had been 3 days since they are talking, yet every time she hears him, she feels the sweet thrill. 

" heart? " she replied as he shook his head taking a seat next to hers. 

" Late enough, making the girl wait, tactics? " She said as the corner of his mouth rolled up. 

" Wrong answer, I come after midnight, baby, " He said as she smirked. 

" baby? you're moving too fast, " She commented as he got up and picked two books; yesterday he asked her if she would like to read a book with him; a book date, you know. 

" What to do, Life is too short, " He said playfully but Maya, these were the truth of her life, remaining life. 

" lost in thoughts yet wearing around

showing the courtesy yet never bound, " Maya smiled looking at him. 

" did you eat a poet in dinner? " joking she threw her head back as he let a smile come on his face. 

" I like vegetarian food but thank you, Now that you are not distracted anymore, shall we start the ' book ' date ? " he said as he kept the books on the table. 

" Romantic yet tragic mystery, nice choice, " She said as started reading the book; the rest of the 3 hours were spent with the secret glances, some from her, some from him. 

even though the idea may look boring to others, for Maya, the comforting silence was a real treasure; understanding her words even when he could not listen, she knew they were going fast yet this was their new start. 

.

" Maya, please let me explain, " Maya rolled her eyes and sat on the first seat; Azora sat on the seat behind hers as She glared at Ash who stood at the front door; it was early in the morning but Maya was not feeling well enough. 

" Azora, please leave me alone, " Maya murmured under her breath as she massaged her head. 

" Maya, he just wants to save you... " Azora unknowingly was provoking the anger in her. 

" Save me? Really? Save me by saying abstract things about my uncle? I get it, there must be something he is hiding but that does not mean you will term him as a murderer, " Maya said to them in a cold voice. 

" but Maya-- " 

" Nothing can save me, nothing, he will save me? he can not, no one can... You know what, I am leaving, " Maya furiously picked her bag and started walking towards the door but Ash held her elbow. 

" Leave my hand, " Maya warned him but Ash did not budge, instead he looked into her eyes; more students started to walk inside the class. 

" Ash, Leave my hand, " Maya said once again, her voice was nothing above an angry whisper but the fire in her eyes stated clearly how angry she was. 

" We are your friends, we are just trying to save you, Maya, " Ash said but an unexpected slap handed on his cheek. 

he looked at Maya as She rubbed her hand, " friends? really? I don't think so, You sent your friend to get information out of me and now you are terming yourself as my friends? Is this what friends do? Breaking trust of others? " Maya said as Ash left her hand. 

" I did not break your trust, Maya, " Ash whispered to her as he looked at a few guys who were taking photos of them. 

" By sending her, you did, " Maya said as she pointed her finger at Azora and walked out. Her vision was a little blurry when she reached her room; dropping the bag on the floor, She took deep breaths. 

She did not want to take painkillers but it was worsening, She picked the water bottle and gulped down the tablets once again. the coldness of the floor send shivers to her body, but it felt nice, nor she wanted to get up neither she had the power to. 

She just laid there, closing her eyes but sleep was far away from them. 

. 

" Missing someone? " Maya heard Ash's voice as she wiped her tears; she was alone at the rooftop; it was late at night. Her room was suffocating her, it was not time for Roy to come to the library so she was there. 

" what are doing here? " She asked as she looked at him, in the moonlight, she could only make out his face. 

" I am here for you, " He replied taking a seat on the floor, right in front of her. 

" You should not be, " Maya replied, looking at the stars shining in the sky. 

" Do you have a death wish? short dress in this cold? " He said as she stood up and wrapped a jacket around her shoulders. 

" I like the coldness, " She replied; Ash was confused by her answers, she did not ask him what he was doing there when he does not stay at the school, nothing, she just let him be.

" Not a fan of warmth? " Ash said but Maya did not give him an answer for a few seconds She walked away.

His eyes didn't leave her retreating figure as he heard a small whisper, " No,  " with that she left Ash alone in his thoughts. 

.

Maya felt the coldness of Roy's hands on her cheek as she looked up; they were again on a book date, it has been some days, Maya and Roy were pretty comfortable with each other.

" it's time to go, " Roy said as he pointed at the watch on her wrist; it was 3:30 am. 

" Why? " her eyes suddenly filled with tears as the look in his eyes softened; this time he did not have anything to say, not even a quote. 

" You look down, " Roy said to her as she closed the book; just as the rain started, a look from Roy, She knew, she knew it was too late to leave, she was too deep. 

" Out in the woods, wanna come? " Maya said as she walked towards the window she came inside the library first time. 

Roy followed her; the rain-drenched them but Maya was smiling; even though it was really cold, the beauty of woods, the smell of rain felt like a song. 

" Do you trust me? " Roy asked all of a sudden as Maya stilled. she nodded as his hand dropped on her head; " close your eyes, " he whispered as she did. 

Making her take a few steps ahead what felt like hours to Maya, he finally dropped his hand on her shoulder; they both were reached from head to toe, shivering in the cold. 

Maya's lips formed an ' O ' when she saw the treehouse in front of her; it looked old and but nice; Roy helped her climb the tree before he lead himself up. 

" It used to be my hiding place, " Roy stated as Maya rubbed her arms together to get some heat. the fogy view mixed with rain in the woods was something she never saw. 

" What were you hiding from? " Maya asked as she kicked off her shoes, one of them accidentally fall on the ground as Maya shook her head. 

" Myself, maybe, " Roy did not meet her eyes but she could see there was something, something he was scared to open up to. 

" what about now? " she said. 

" I do not need to hide, " he replied. 

" What changed? " she could not stop herself from questioning him. 

" You, " he whispered as she smiled; looking at him, her eyes dropped at his lips. he copied her actions as he kept his hands on her cheeks. 

" scared of cold? " He asked. 

" Not anymore, " she breathed before their lips met in a sweet but passionate kiss. 

" I do not want to leave... just yet, " breathing in his intoxicating scent, she said as she lowered her eyes. she was not talking about the treehouse. 

" Trust me, I didn't too, " he said as he jumped down and helped her to get down slowly; 

Looking at the school building, Maya knew it was time to leave him; She looked at his back as he entered the library and looked at her. She nodded and walked back to her room, 

. 

Looking at the students whispering amongst themselves, Maya so badly wanted to ask what was happening but everyone was busy in their bubble; She went to the dining area and saw Azora sitting on the spot they used to sit together at. 

Maya took her meal and walked towards her seat; Azora smiled at Maya but she only gave her a cold look. 

" everyone saw some footprints around the corridor, " Azora said as Maya looked at her. 

" Must be someone who forgot to take off shoes, " Maya said but did not bother looking at her. She was in her bubble, She knew, She liked Roy but all her questions stoped at this but. 

" Ash wants to take you out for dinner tonight, " Azora said as Maya glanced at Ash who was trying to smile at her. 

" And what are you? his messenger? " Azora closed her mouth and glared at Ash. he was not sitting far, could easily hear what She said. He got up from his seat and walked to her side. Azora decided to give them some space. 

" I am sorry, " Ash said as Maya nodded; he took a seat beside her before asking, " So dinner? tonight? " he asked, terribly failing in attempting to make a conversation. 

Maya chuckled; " You have the free will to go out wherever you want, I live in the dorm rooms, I can not go out at night, " which is the biggest lie of the century. 

" If not out then here? " he said, desperate to spend some time with her. 

" fine but do not get scared looking at the dark circles, " he chuckled as he shook his head. 

" tonight, " 

" tonight, " She nodded before he walked off smiling to himself. 

This is the right thing to do, I do not have time to give Roy the happiness he deserves, I need to get away from him. 

she thought before she picked her plate.

. 

" you look lost, " Ash commented when Maya did not touch her food for the last 15 minutes; he was just observing her; she looked thin, her eyes did not have the spark he once admired. 

" I am lost, " She replied not realizing she said it out loud. 

" what? " Azora asked as Maya shook her head. 

" weird questions, weird Answers, " covering it up with a fake smile Maya looked at Ash. 

Dinner finished with their conversations; Azora went back to her room but Maya, did not know what to do or say. Ash was right in front of her. they both had millions of questions in their mind but hopelessly they just stayed in their mind, none of them was able to say it out. 

Dare was not an easy thing; " Why? " Maya asked when She walked along with Ash. 

" There're many why, which one do you want answers to? " Ash asked as he pulled behind one of the pillars; Maya saw other students walk away not noticing they both were not in the group. 

" You, why are there stories about you? cursed and all? what are they? " Maya asked as the small smile on Ash's face dropped. 

" They do not know me and never tried, my truth is only what I know, " He replied. 

mystery of his black eyes seems to unfold to her but still, there was so much she did not know; " Individuals believe what they see or hear, " 

" I am not as shady as I look, " He said. 

" I believe you, " She replied. something told her he was just misunderstood not wrong. 

. 

That night Maya was not sure if she should go to the library or not; she does not want to get addicted to Roy, addiction of a person is as bad as a drug; once in, there's no way out. 

it was 1 am, She was not asleep; neither she wanted to be; her thoughts roamed around Roy; she did not know anything about him yet there was a thread binding them; a thread that was weak but based on trust and maybe her feelings. 

She could not help but ask herself if Roy felt the same way, He kissed her, she felt it but it is not necessary that he feels the same way. deciding that making herself victim to her thoughts is not the best option. 

She did not put effort to look good; her eyes looked lifeless but she was not complaining, she had nothing to complain about. wrapping a furry jacket around her shoulders, she sneaked out of the room; the winds freezing her. 

She was near the library when suddenly the loud non-describable sound in her ear made her dizzy; she took a few breaths to calm herself; she was sweating like she ran a marathon in cold. 

Opening the door; She looked at Roy, he stood up and hugged her; just once; She convinced herself before she wrapped her arms around his back. 

" I thought you would not come tonight, " He said as he lead her towards their usual seat. 

" things... " she did not complete the sentence as he nodded. for that moment, they did not have any plans, nor the books, just looked at each other; Maya was trying to find a hint of truth in his eyes while his... were unreadable. 

" words do not matter between us, " Maya said after a long silence. 

" They do, " Ash replied.

" I don't see it, " closing her eyes she took a deep breath. 

" both of us are hiding yet understanding each other, " He commented. 

" How so? " she questioned. 

" with the beauty of difference, with the beauty of light, the beauty of lies yet beauty that binds, " His way of answering did not make any sense to her at all. 

" Beauty that blinds yet gives a change, " She said as he chuckled. suddenly from a serious conversation, they jumped to quotes of their own. interesting way of hiding yet telling the truth. 

" Lies are lies, yet they are called, " Roy said. 

" means you are lying? " she questioned in the integrity of the situation. 

" I have to go, " Roy said as he stood up. 

" you never leave before me, " Maya said, standing up too. 

" Patterns change and so do people, " He said before he walked towards the window and jumped out of it; disappearing in the fog; Maya watched him fading away.